Now there’s a new way to take a look into the past as you explore North Yorkshire’s County Town, guided by the ‘Discover Northallerton’ app in the palm of your hand.
Discover more about the heritage of Northallerton and uncover hidden stories of fascinating people, places and events that shaped this historic market town through the centuries.
With 2 trails, there is loads of fun to be had!
‘Autumnfest trail with the Mowbrees’ enjoying the sights as we watered Tinker Mowbree’s veggie patch near the phone box, threw conkers in Applegarth Park, searched for treats hiding in pumpkins in Zetland Street, and danced with the twins, Violet and Spike Mowbree, by the pedestrian crossing!
‘Portals into the Past’ entitles the second trail, which is packed with information about the history of the town and we had chance to have a little look, but would love to return another day to take in the details of the trail. Here you can uncover Northallerton’s hidden stories of fascinating people, places and events, including the Town Hall and Shambles, the Rutson Hospital, Register House, and the original site of Northallerton Grammar School before it moved to Grammar School Lane and then became Northallerton College. This would be a great trail for schools to use as part of a local history project.
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Take part in your biggest ever game of hide and seek on your visit to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. Hide in all corners of the large abbey ruins before following the river to the water garden. Race around the moon ponds, see the swans swimming and discover the winding dark tunnel. Emerge from the tunnel to find three fun buildings called follies along this woodland path. With acres of space to explore, hidden places to discover and lots of sniffs to sniff, Fountains Abbey is the perfect place to bring your four-legged friends. Dogs are welcome in all the outdoor spaces and in the Visitor Centre Restaurant too.
Be sure to have a playground adventure. There are things to wobble along, jump over and climb on…you’ll find a wooden abbey, a woodland house, scramble nets and posts, swings, fireman’s poles, a slide, a roundabout, a gigantic rope bridge and a huge zip wire for the most daring adventurers of all.
Have a well-earned sit down with a seasonal meal in the Visitor Centre Restaurant, tuck into tea and cake with a lakeside view at Studley Tea Room or a sweet treat at Mill Café.
If there’s still oodles of energy left visit the deer park. Admire the views down to Ripon Cathedral and see if you can spot the deer. There are three different types from small fallow deer to the largest of them all: red deer.
There’s lots to do but don’t worry if you can’t fit it all in this time – we’ll be here another day! Become a member on your first visit and come back for free as many times as you like. Plus, get the feel-goods about it as every time you scan your membership card, you’re contributing towards the essential conservation work we do.
Within historic woodland along the River Nidd is Mother Shipton’s Cave, the birthplace of Yorkshire’s famous prophetess. It is situated next to the Petrifying Well, England’s oldest visitor attraction. The attraction tells the story of Mother Shipton and the water which turns objects to stone.
The park is a unique, unspoilt remnant of the Royal Forest of Knaresborough. During a visit it is an old tradition to make a wish. The Wishing Well is fed by the same magical waters as the Petrifying Well and has been wished upon for over 300 years. Many visitors have been in touch to tell us their wishes have come true!
The park has several scenic picnic areas, a coffee and ice cream kiosk, an adventure playground and museum and gift shop. Dogs are welcome in all areas, apart from the playground.
Themed events run during school holidays. For more information about family events visit our website.
Please check the website for up-to-date opening times and any unforeseen park closures. Open from February.
There is a lot of fun to have at Bolton Abbey including 60 stepping stones and a large beach area where you can enjoy a paddle and a picnic – but maybe not at the same time!
Fewston and Swinsty reservoirs (Off the A59) , There is a coffee shop just off the walk and the Sun Inn at Norwood is nearby and dog friendly.
Farm shop and restaurant (Yolk) with a few animals to see in the fields – pig feed available in the shop!
Stump Cross Caverns is an ancient natural cave formation deep underneath the Yorkshire Dales. As well as the caves, they’ve also got a cinema, cafe, time out private dining pod, shop and visitor centre on site. They are located on the B6265 between Pateley Bridge and Grassington and open seven days a week (9am-6pm).
